Modern Bear is proud to be a Guardian Angel sponsor of Sanctuary Palm Springs, a transitional housing placement plus foster care program for LGBT youth. Sanctuary Palm Springs is a place of safety, support and self responsibility where each foster-youth resident can learn the life skills needed to become an independent, self-sufficient adult.

What’s your idea of a perfect date?
“Hmm this for some reason seems to be the hardest question to answer. This can go in so many directions. Obviously a perfect date would entail laughter, tons of flirting, furry kisses, butterflies and “excitement”.
I’m a big fan of dinner with some bad ass ambiance and a movie. Preferably in one of the theaters with the small couch/love seats so there’s groping and cuddle action.
I also can take it outdoors and do say, a hike and maybe a picnic in a secluded spot on a hill in the grass under a tree to watch the sunset.
Or there’s the hot hangout on the couch for as long as you both can resist, maybe 20-30 mins into a movie and then just go at it!”

How would you describe your personal interior design style?
“Rustic design, earthy contemporary and a little pop never hurt.”

What kind of music do you listen to?
“I pride myself in how all over the board I am with my music preferences. I pretty much like stuff from almost every genre of music. Some of my very favorites are.. The Grateful Dead, Lady Gaga, Bob Marley, Ella Fitzgerald, Notorious BIG and Phish.”

Fitness Routine:
“I workout about 6 days a week and do about 30 mins of cardio a day, preferably the treadmill on full incline at a nice speed. I lift weights on all gym days and try to switch up my routine every few weeks to keep it interesting and to constantly shock and stimulate my muscles. I like to add in a good core routine once or twice a week to stay in good healthy shape.”

Hobbies: “I love to dabble in some Art, creativity is fun. Fitness, weight lifting, Live music, concerts, cooking, watching movies, Travel adventures, LAZY BEAR WEEKEND, I’d say my job as well because I really love working with dogs, being in nature which I never feel like I get enough of. Hanging out with my friends and just being silly.”

Guilty Pleasure Snack: “Ice Cream, it’s the best.”

TV Faves:“Game of Thrones, Sex and the City, Morgan Spurlock Inside Man, The Cosmos, Mankind the Story of Us All, Daredevil, Looking… To name a few, I’m more of a movie guy.”

Last good movie you saw:
“MadMax Fury Road. I’d give it 5 out of 5 stars. It was beautifully done and extremely entertaining. The main characters did a fantastic job and we’re both sexy as fuck….. And, I just got back from the movies before finishing this and saw Jurassic World.. It was fuckin KILLER!!!

Turn Ons: “Guys who are not afraid to be THEMSELVES and let loose and have fun. Guys who care about their planet and the life that inhabits it. Optimism, sense of humor, self love, adventurous, confident, positive attitude, down to earth, muscles, cuddles, Fur and Beards.”

Hey Big Dipper!
We’re looking forward to working with you in a couple of weeks at Lazy Bear! You’ll be the musical entertainment during “Project Bearway” which we’re hosting.

Were you a performer as a kid?
“Ha-ha yes! Community children’s theatre.”

When did you begin entertaining professionally?
“About 5 years ago.”

How did it all start?
“I was performing in a dance trio at art parties and queer nightlife in Chicago and thru that scene was connected to people making music. I met Dan Foley who I collaborated with on all my first tracks. Both the music and the videos just sort of happened on a whim, it all developed pretty organically.”

What’s next for your career?
“I want to continue doing bigger and better things. More music, more videos, more traveling and performing and entertaining people. I just released an EP on iTunes called EXTRA GOOD and a new video for my song VIBIN. So I’m traveling around and promoting those projects this summer. Hopefully I’ll have a mixtape with new music coming out before 2016 :)”

Of course, we need to ask you our “Beefcake of the Week” questions for our readers!

What’s your idea of a perfect date?
“I like excitement and fun! And I don’t want to be the one to make the plan. In my work life I’m constantly making decisions and being in charge, so I want to be taken out on the date, told what to do. A perfect date definitely includes good food, lots of conversation, and an exciting activity, like a show or concert or theme park or bike ride or something.

I also like to fuck first then hang out after :)”

How would you describe your personal interior design style?
“Chaotic lol. I haven’t really lived in my own space since I started performing and traveling so I’m always bouncing around or living on someone else’s terms. I’m attracted to color and organized clutter. I like clean and sleek, sure, but my reality is a mess…I love to keep things from my life and travels around me and paste notes and pictures on the walls. My life is about working and hustling and juggling 100 things at once; so my space often reflects that. I like lots on the walls, pictures and art, and I like to interact with the space I’m in, not just sit within its walls.”

Fitness Routine: “I have no routine; I’m incredibly skilled at being lazy and sitting on the couch working on my laptop. I like to do pushups and some good old fashioned sit ups from time to time. I lift weights when I go to the gym, but mostly just like to work up a sweat because that’s what always makes me feel the best. When I perform my live show, it’s quite the workout, and the ideal format to work up a sweat.”

Last Good Movie You Saw: “I’ve seen a lot of mediocre of bad movies recently…..the last movie that I actually watched that I thought was great was ‘Death Becomes Her’…..but that’s old….in the theatre?….maybe not since ‘Imitation Game.’ Oh and ‘Tootsie,’ I just watched Tootsie on a plane; that movie is great!”

Currently Reading: “I keep trying to read ‘The Tipping Point’ but it was written before social media and it’s all about trends in culture, marketing, and exposure, so it seems weird that is predates the internet…”

Turn Ons: “Confidence, a nice smile, sense of humor, thick body, muscles or just heft, beards, likes to dance, uniqueness….I’m attracted to tall, short, muscle, chubby, most types, but there has to be something unique and special about them…..not those clone gays that act and think like everyone else.”

“Or the short answer: big dicked bottoms.”

Turn Offs: “Bad Breath! Shadiness, liars, people who think money and status are the only things that matter, someone unwilling to try something new, no sense of humor.”

Personal Philosophy: “I don’t think I really have one scripted and ready to go, but it’s all about love and happiness and respect and kindness. Love yourself and be kind to the people around you. Work hard for what you want, but be aware of your place and privilege in the world, and help those in need, and hear those who need to speak, and see those who need visibility. Have fun, eat good food, have lots of good sex and live that thick life.”

Jesus, how did your attraction to the Bear culture and how come about?

“I enjoyed the inclusiveness of our community and fight hard to make sure we extend the olive branch to everyone. I also grew up spending the summers in Mexico on a ranch watching all the Tall,Dark,Sweaty,Hairy men on horseback….. I’m sorry what was I saying?”

Location: Anaheim,CA

Height: 5’8”

Hair: DARK AND THICK! Shave my head usually

Eyes: Brown

Sign: I’m a Pieces

Fitness Routine: I am not a fan of gyms and prefer outdoor activities and enjoy hosting hiking groups for bears in my area on a weekly bases.

Personal Statement: I’m very thankful to have had someone mentor me at a young age and taught me the importance of participating in your community. I would advise anyone to find a local charity or non-profit in your area to volunteer for. I love you all and would love to see a stronger Gay Community who supports one another regardless of how masculine one is. ONE LOVE!

We are super excited to be hosting the first “Project Bearway” event at Lazy Bear Weekend this year! Teams of Bears will compete for cash and fabulous prizes, and the audience will vote in a grande finale fashion show. Also making a special appearance will be entertainer Big Dipper!

Well brethren, we’ve made it through the Holidays. The last of the Christmas cookies have been gobbled up. No more left over turkey and dressing. The New Year’s Eve hangover has subsided. How’d you do? Did you over indulge? Take it easier this year? Maybe somewhere in between a little cheating on your diet and gorging out?

Most of us fall somewhere in between. I know, I know – who wants to be reminded of those oh-so-typical New Year’s resolutions. I’m going to save more money. I’m going to spend more time with family. I’m going to get back to the gym. Sigh. Well, if you had to start with just one, getting yourself into your favorite health club or beginning an exercise regimen is probably the most realistic resolution you can achieve.

We all know the benefits of exercising. It’s good for our health. It improves our mood and lifts our self esteem. It also can be great for social interaction. Who knows, you might just find that dreamy muscle-bear soul-mate in the locker room. We all know exercise good for us, but sometimes it’s so damned hard to get motivated.

Maybe what you need is a fresh workout wardrobe. Sometimes something as simple as a new pair of shoes or a great looking warm up outfit can help you get those feet out the door and into the gym. There are many great new styles of workout clothing available at this time of year. Let’s take a look at some options.

Most major labels have larger sizes for bearish physiques. Nike, Under Armour, Adidas and Puma are some of the more popular brands. Check your favorite websites for selections as they are more likely to stock the larger sizes we like. Let’s review some of the new gym wear trends for 2015.

Under Armour has a great selection of shirts and tanks for working out. If you’re more likely to get your heart rate up in the great outdoors, their Cold Gear line is great, especially if you reside in the chillier climates. They feature a wide selection of fleece hoodies and warm up pants that will keep your buns warm on the snowy running trail. Plus, their website has a nice outlet selection. Check it out at UnderArmour.com. Sizes run up to 3XL.

Want to workout inside? You might just like Nike’s new like of training gear at Nike.com. If you sweat a lot while training like I do, you’ll appreciate their Nike Dri-FIT line of clothing. The fabric used in this line is designed to wick away moisture from your body, making the workout experience more pleasurable. And their designs are really colorful and eye-popping. From long sleeve, short sleeve or sleeveless designs, you’re sure to find a style that fits you.

When it comes to shoes, I really like what Puma is offering this year. They have such an eye for style without sacrificing comfort or performance. Take a look at their new Nightcat line of footwear at Puma.com. The reflective material make these shoes perfect whether your exercising indoors or out. They’re made for running but are perfectly suitable for weightlifting as well.

The tour will highlight the two predominate architectural styles of Palm Springs: Mid-Century Modern, and Desert Spanish. The tour includes many homes of the rich and famous such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Cary Grant, all of who resided in striking architectural homes. Many of the city’s architecturally significant civic and commercial buildings are also a part of the tour. The tour will be conducted by the informative and entertaining Chris Sears, along with Travis and Chris.

The top tier of the bus will be used only, to offer guests a unique perspective view of Palm Springs.
A limited block of tickets will be offered after November 1st for the first 45 guests only!
Only the exteriors of properties are seen on the tour

The group will Meet at Modernism Week Camp at 10 AM on Palm Canyon Drive between Jiao Restaurant (Chino) and Copley’s Restaurant. Coffee and donuts will be served while Travis and Chris give a brief talk about the Palm Springs Modern lifestyle and introduce tour guide, Chris Sears. The bus will depart at 10:30 and return to Modernism Camp at approximately 1:00. Guests may eat lunch (not included in the tour) at the food court at the camp, or explore the Uptown Design District dining options.

One could argue that Santa was the original Style Bear. What with that red velvet jacket and pants, the white fur trim (faux of course), and those black leather boots! WOOF! The man has a signature style all his own and has stuck to his fearless fashion pedigree since – well since he first began delivering toys to all the good little girls and boys of the world.

If Santa can style for the holidays, so can you! Have a couple of parties, special events or festive gatherings on your upcoming calendar? If so, it’s time to think about what to wear.

First things first. Get into your closet and dig out your best green and red attire. Uh oh, have none? Never fear. There are plenty of colors that are perfectly acceptable for the season’s soirees. Purple, grey, black (yes black) and burnt orange all show up as dressy. Think jewel tones. Although red and green are the de riguer hues of this, the most wonderful time of the year, the simple fact is that most guys don’t have a lot of clothing in these colors. If you’re like me, you are overstocked with blue, white, brown and tan. Not all that festive.

While deciding what to put wear for your event, try to keep in mind the venue and location. Parties that are crowded can be on the warm side. No one likes sweaty guests, right? Think lightweight. Macys.com has a great selection of festive holiday sweaters for XL men. Although sweaters look dressy, they can make you too warm and uncomfortable. If you do decide to don one, consider a merino or cashmere wool v-neck, perhaps in a vest. Just don’t wear a thick, long-sleeve crew neck. You’ll be sorry.

Parties with a more casual tone call for fun shirts and corduroys. Dressy shirt designs by English Laundry are fun and have a lot of style. They come in larger sizes at Beso.com. Cords look really sharp too, and lately they are coming in a wider variety of colors. Couple them with some nice lace up boots from Cole Haan or Johnston & Murphy and you’re set.

If the event is on the formal side, consider a nice jacket. Velvet is a good choice and you can find them in abundance at this time of year. Black, burgundy and even purple velvet jackets with a whimsically designed undershirt can make a great statement at any holiday party. It’s even acceptable these days to wear a nice pair of jeans with a fancy coat and shirt. If it’s a tuxedo you need, check out MensWarehouse.com. They have reasonably priced tuxes in larger sizes.

Let’s talk about shoes. I prefer loafers over lace ups as loafers often are designed with a lot of flair. Shiny buckles atop these slip ons add sparkle and shine to any man’s outfit. If money is no object, take a look at the fun styles from Alexander McQueen or Salvatore Ferragamo. Their footwear can be found at their signature boutiques or Saks Fifth Avenue. If you’re a little more frugal with your footwear, check out the outlet stores like Nordstrom Rack or Neiman Marcus’ Last Call.

Finally, once the party is over and you’re ready to snuggle up to your teddy bear, you can still be fashionable with your furry friend. Go comfy with some fun plaid flannel pajamas from Ralph Lauren or Joe Boxer. They offer plus sizes and sexy styles for lounging in your bear den while you wind down from all the festivities.

No matter what you decide to wear, make sure you feel comfortable in your clothing. Nothing is worse than trying to enjoy a holiday party in an outfit that is ill fitting or not your style. But be brave and take a chance this year. Be colorful and unique. If you can’t be bold and brassy at holiday time, when can you?

We all know what defines a bear; big, beefy, hairy, bearded and masculine. But what defines a bear’s style? Do the clothes make the man? Are you trapped in the same old flannel shirt, tank top or t-shirt with some stale quote like ‘Bear With Me’? Well gents, it’s time you stepped out of your cotton comfort zones and took some chances with your clothing. Let’s get out of our collective ruts and start modernizing our wardrobes. We are calling on you to be Modern Bears. Let’s get busy!

“I’ve tried to update my clothes, but I can’t find anything that fits”, is the reality to a frustrating challenge for many of us; shopping. I myself am 6′ and 235 pounds and I got to the point where I hated going to the mall. I just couldn’t find anything that fit. Granted, you can find occasional 2X and 3X sizes, but it’s more common than not that retailers usually stock sizes S-M-L-XL. And if you want to dress in designer fashions, forget it. Labels like Gucci, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana don’t even make sizes above XL. Those bitches!

The task of finding fashion forward clothing is next to impossible at most brick-and-mortar stores. Grrrrrr! But never fear my brothers. There are contemporary fashions to be found online at many clothing etailers. We are here to help you navigate through some of the best webstores and style sites for the bear community.

One of my favorite places to shop online is at Zappos.com. This fabulous retailer started out exclusively selling shoes but as they became more and more popular, they decided to branch out into clothing. Zappos became popular because they offer free shipping BOTH WAYS. This is especially helpful for us plus-sized men as there really is no risk. Order what you like in the sizes you need, try them on at home, and if they don’t fit – ship them back for free. What I like best about this website is that they offer designs from top fashion houses like Hugo Boss, 7 Diamonds and True Religion in sizes up to 4XL. You’ll never find offerings in these sizes at regular department stores.

Lacoste shirt offered in larger sizes from Zappos.com

Another relatively new website for bigger men is DestinationXL.com. This is the site from well known retailers Casual Male and Rochester Big and Tall. If it’s BIG sizes you are looking for, this is the place. DestinationXL offers waist sizes up to 66 and shirts up to 7XL. DXL has offerings from leading designers such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Robert Graham and Brooks Brothers as well as their own private label brand. The clothes here tend to be a little less expensive than Zappos but they have less of a selection. It’s a site definitely worth checking out.

Suit featured from DestinationXL.com

Amazon.com has recently entered into the clothing business. Although not as easy to navigate, Amazon does offer a pretty good selection of plus-sized clothes. Their Big and Tall section offers a variety of choices, but there is far less designer offerings. If you have Amazon Prime (their $99 per year free shipping service) then they are a great choice for the basics; underwear, socks and other essentials. Just don’t expect much style here.

Still not sure what your style is? Then check out Chubstr.com. Not only does Chubstr sell some amazing fashions, they offer advice on styling, trends and popular topics for the big man community. You can find articles on clothing design, news on what’s hot and much more. This site is a great resource if you’re trying to find the style that fits you best. Another great site for tips on how to be stylin’ is The Art Of Manliness. It’s really fun and interesting to discover how to feel sophisticated and manly at the same time. Check it out.

Courtesy of Chubstr.com

The reality is that we all feel good in comfy old jeans and a t-shirt. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a casual wardrobe. But casual isn’t always appropriate. Hopefully after taking a look as some of these websites, you’ll be encouraged to take a few risks and try something new. And shopping in the comfort of your own home without the frustration and tedium of scouring stores only to find smaller sizes is easier now thanks to the web. So pull out your laptops, tablets or smart phones and start exploring. It’s time to step out in style!